DOHA: The 2016-17 season of the Qatargas League will be launched on September 16, Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced on Monday. A total of 18 teams comprising of second strings of Qatar Stars League (QSL) clubs will also feature in the competitions. After the first nine rounds of matches, the league will resume in January 2017. Al Sailiyah will take on Al Markhiya in the opening clash of the new season. In the other clash Al ARabi will face Al Shamal. The two games will be played at Al Gharafa Stadium. In other games, Al Kharaitiyat will face Umm Salal, Al Sadd play Muaither while Al Rayyan take on Al Khor while Al Gharafa battle Lekhwiya. Last season's Qatargas League proved to be a smashing success with players and fans alike.